In Memory of the Heroic Kobe Bryant

Post one of the most shocking events that will go down in history, I wanted to shed light and add creative relief by hand painting Kobe Bryant. Kobe is a heroic basketball player who inspires people of all backgrounds around the world. The first time I learned about Kobe, I was 10 years old in the 6th grade. After hearing he was one of the greatest basketball players of all time in his prime, I knew I had to represent. I would be graduating elementary school soon and when my dad asked me what I wanted as a celebratory gift, I said a Kobe Bryant Jersey. I remember going to New York and picking up my white, crisp jersey. On the very last day of school before summer break, I wore that jersey. From that day on I became a Lakers fan.

I didn’t know the real impact he had on the world then, but as I got older I realized how many people admired him. He was dedicated to his passion, he was unstoppable and a self defined leader. The most impressive thing was how natural he was at what he did. He was a infectious force to be reckoned with. Years later I moved to Los Angeles for college, just a few blocks away from the Staples Center. It was a surreal experience to be so close to what I would imagine as a child. Being so close made me feel important and part of the entertainment and sports culture. I never got to see him play but I always felt his influence.

About a decade later, our world came to a stop when we learned the man we admired so much had lost his life in a tragic accident, along with his daughter Gigi and 7 other passengers. Many of us thought what a loss, but I knew we gained angels that day. On Earth he was strong enough to withstand challenges and dedicated enough to exemplify leadership. In Heaven, he serves as a heroic angel that is untouched and will never be forgotten. He served his purpose and inspired many. Although he is gone in the physical, his spirit will live forever! #8 #24 🙏🏽🏀